I want to enjoy it with my children! Tourist spots in Okinawa that the whole family can enjoy
Okinawa, one of Japan's leading tropical resorts, is packed with spots that both adults and small children can enjoy together. Why not create memorable experiences with your children, such as interacting with flora and fauna that grow in the unique climate, enjoying cool sweets you'll want to taste in the tropics, or trying your hand at unique craft experiences? We will introduce recommended spots for families with children where you can enjoy experiences unique to Okinawa.
1Blue Seal Ice Park
Enjoy ice cream in a cute, fairytale-like space
An experiential museum where you can learn the history of Okinawa's classic ice cream shop, "Blue Seal," and enjoy decorating your own original ice cream bar. In addition to the experience, there are various ways to enjoy yourself, such as observing the actual ice cream making process or taking photos with a photo machine that features original Blue Seal frames.
Since the Blue Seal main store is attached, you can of course enjoy shopping as well. Original picture books and children's clothing are also sold, so we recommend choosing memorable items together with your children.
A one-of-a-kind ice cream bar decoration experience
The one thing you must experience when you come here is decorating your own one-of-a-kind ice cream bar. The process is very simple: choose the shape, flavor, and coating chocolate color of the ice cream bar, as well as the color of the chocolate pen for drawing. Next, choose 5 toppings from 12 varieties to put on your tray, roughly sketch your original ice cream design on paper based on those, and then actually decorate the ice cream.
The reasonable price of 1,800 yen, which includes an original cooler bag and a -20 degree freezer experience where you can feel what it's like to be an ice cream bar, is also a nice point. It is an experience that both children and adults can get absorbed in.
Local
Supporter
Please enjoy decorating your own ice cream bar while eating ice cream that was born in America and raised in Okinawa.
- Blue Seal Ice Park
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5-5-6 Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture (Next to Blue Seal Makiminato Main Store) MAP 
Approx. 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport
9:00–18:00 (Last admission 17:00)
None
Free admission, Ice cream bar making experience 1,800 yen
098-988-4535
Available (free)
2Tomarin
A gateway to the remote islands, also featuring gourmet food and souvenirs
A multi-purpose terminal building located at Tomari Port. The port serves as a departure and arrival point for vessels connecting to the outlying islands of Tokashikijima, Zamamijima, Akajima, Agunijima, Tonakijima, Kumejima, Minamidaitojima, and Kitadaitojima.
Inside the building, you will find ticket counters for each route, as well as convenience stores selling local Okinawan Awamori and snacks, bento shops, Okinawan restaurants, and cafes. There is also an event deck adjacent to the building, so you might be able to enjoy an event if the timing is right.
Enjoy a casual trip to a remote island while getting excited about ships and forklifts
With the sight of many ships coming and going, cargo, and forklifts transporting goods, there are plenty of situations that will excite children who love vehicles. You can enjoy watching the scenery, or of course, head out to the outlying islands for a stroll.
Since some islands can be reached in about 30 minutes by boat, why not take a day trip while casually enjoying the view from the boat and the sea spray? There is also a green space (small park) with a large lawn next to Tomarin, so buying a bento and enjoying a picnic is also recommended.
Local
Supporter
The sight of magnificent ships coming and going on Okinawa's beautiful sea is a different kind of scenery from tourist beaches. It is a recommended spot for children who love vehicles or have a strong sense of curiosity.
3Senagajima Umikaji Terrace
About a 7-minute drive from Naha Airport! The bridge to Senagajima
A road leading to Senagajima, an outlying island near Naha Airport that can be reached by car. It is the perfect spot for a drive while gazing at the beautiful sea on both sides of the road.
Once you cross the road, you will find Senagajima, where you can enjoy yourself all day long at the Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, a complex with shops, restaurants, and sweets; the Sunset Park, which, as the name suggests, offers beautiful sunset views; and the Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel, one of the few resort hotels with hot springs in Okinawa.
A spectacular spot where you can see airplanes taking off and landing up close
This is a famous spot where you can see airplanes taking off and landing up close. Many people gather here, some gazing idly at the sea and others holding large cameras, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectacular moment when a plane takes off with a loud roar.
Of course, children who love airplanes will be thrilled too! If your timing is good, you might even experience the thunderous roar of an Air Self-Defense Force F-15 scramble. Since it is close to Naha Airport, it might be a good idea to visit before you head home and tell your children, "We're going to ride on that plane soon."
Local
Supporter
Aircraft approaching the first runway of Naha Airport pass right overhead! You can have an experience that is hard to come by in everyday life.
- Senagajima Kaichu Road
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- Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 7-minute drive from Naha Airport
- 098-850-0024 (Tomigusuku City Hall)
4Experience Kingdom Murasakimura
Whether you want to be active or take it slow, you're sure to find an experience that suits your personality
This is an experiential spot where the glamorous townscape of the Ryukyu Kingdom era has been recreated on a 15,000-tsubo site. Originally used as an open studio for the NHK Taiga drama "Ryukyu no Kaze," the facility was later transferred to Yomitan Village and reborn as a tourist attraction.
Within the grounds, you can enjoy a wide variety of experiences, including traditional crafts like pottery, Ryukyu glass, and bingata dyeing, as well as Shisa painting, indigo dyeing, marine sports, horseback riding, and sugarcane harvesting. You are sure to find an experience that suits your child's age and personality.
Winter-only events that boost the festive mood are a must-see!
The "Ryukyu Lantern Festival," held every winter, is another highlight. During the event, the grounds are brilliantly decorated with countless lanterns, creating a breathtaking scene. A photo of your child illuminated by the beautiful lanterns will be a memory you can only capture at this time. A photo contest is also held, so it would be fun to submit your best shot.
There are also various other ways to enjoy the festival, such as the "Night Lantern Stage" featuring performers, projection mapping with light and sound, and cafes, all of which will satisfy children's curiosity.
Local
Supporter
With a wide variety of experiences gathered here, it's perfect for your child's independent research project! The old-fashioned Okinawan townscape also offers a charming view that you rarely get to see.
- Murasakimura Experience Kingdom
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- 1020-1 Takashio, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 63 minutes by car from Naha Airport
- 9:00–17:30
Restaurant Taiki Lunch Buffet 11:00–15:00, Dinner Buffet 18:00–22:00 - None
- Adults 1,000 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 500 yen, Elementary School Students 400 yen, Infants free
- 098-958-1111
- Free
5Okinawa Zoo & Museum
A zoo where you can meet 150 different kinds of animals
The southernmost zoo in Japan, where you can see animals found nowhere else in the world but the Ryukyu Islands, such as the Yakushima macaque and the Ryukyu dog. You can meet about 150 species of animals, ranging from large, impressive creatures like elephants, giraffes, and hippos to small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
There are also areas where you can enjoy feeding experiences with guinea pigs, sheep, and island goats, as well as horse riding. Tropical migratory birds, amphibians, and reptiles such as frogs, lizards, and snakes are also on display, so please enjoy meeting a wide variety of animals.
Okinawa's only children's museum, designed to expand children's potential
Based on the concept that "understanding and creation begin with wonder," the facility also houses "Wonder Museum," Okinawa's first children's museum where children can discover mysteries and surprises for themselves. Various hands-on experiences themed around science, art, and philosophy are available to nurture imagination, awareness, and curiosity.
Workshops and events are held regularly, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. By the time you leave the museum, you might see a new, more mature expression on your child's face.
Local
Supporter
There are many places to enjoy besides the animals, such as the ride corner and the water and green plaza! There are also restaurants and parlors, so you can take a break whenever you get tired while exploring.
- Okinawa Zoo & Museum
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- 5-7-1 Goya, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 65 minutes by car from Naha Airport
- Apr–Sep 9:30–18:00 (Last admission 17:00)
Oct–Mar 9:30–17:30 (Last admission 16:30) - Tuesdays, December 30–31, January 1
*If a Tuesday is a national holiday, it will be open as usual and closed the following day. Open on Tuesdays during Golden Week, and spring, summer, and winter holidays. - Adults 500 yen, junior high and high school students 200 yen, ages 4 to elementary school students 100 yen, infants (up to 3 years old) free
- 098-933-4190
- Available
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Yasuhiro KobayashiAn entertainer full of smiles
HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Yomitan, Okinawa Prefecture
A luxury resort along one of Okinawa's finest coastlines. From every oceanfront room, you can enjoy an exclusive, breathtaking view that stretches all the way to the horizon.
Access About 1 hour by taxi from Naha Airport
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥27,324
OMO5 Okinawa Naha
Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Conveniently located within walking distance of Kokusai-dori. You can fully enjoy the tropical atmosphere of Naha city.
Access About a 6-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station on the Yui Rail
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥6,000
BEB5Okinawa Seragaki
Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
Relax in comfort with an open-air pool and guest rooms equipped with kitchens and balconies.
Access About 70 minutes by highway bus from Naha Airport
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥5,175